Choosing a wedding party can be pretty daunting…

You have your set of friends and your partner/fiance has their set of friends…..and lets face it – they may not mesh. 

Plus you don’t want to leave anyone out, but at the same time you don’t want to include EVERYONE….

But how big is too big when it comes to your wedding party? 10 people, 16 people? More?? 

Our team at Fusion Function, is noting down the top 5 “DO NOTS” when choosing your wedding party…And we speak from experience! Founder Sidney and wife Lauren were married in 2023.

DO NOT do these 5 things, and you’ll be on track to choosing a great wedding party!

In choosing your wedding party….

1. Do NOT talk about the tentative details of the wedding party (or wedding plans in general) with your friends until AFTER you and your partner agree on everyone who will be asked to join the bridal party. Here is a not so friendly reminder – your fiance/partner is now your #1 – not any friend or family member. You owe no explanation about what you are thinking for the wedding party, because it can lead to a slippery slope of oversharing and/or over-promising in a spur of the moment conversation.
2. Do NOT feel pressure to have a ‘traditional wedding party’.
   1. You don’t need the same number on each side. 
   2. You don’t need a specific number of people. 
   3. There are plenty of ways to incorporate any/all friends and family: Bridesmen, Groomsmaids, Bridal/Groom/Broom Squad, Team Couple Name – you can get as specific as you want, or not specific at all. 
3. Do NOT get offended if people say NO to being in your wedding party. Remember that you are ASKING to be part of your wedding party, and your person may say no. Life changes; Kids, family situations, changing friend dynamics, – to put it bluntly, not everyone is as kind as you. It doesn’t mean they love you less, but alternatively, it also means you shouldnt love them less for being honest regarding what they are able to commit to your wedding.
4. Do NOT spend money on ‘wedding party proposal’ gifts. Come on!…you have a wedding to budget for!  (But, a ‘thank you gift for being in the wedding party’  will be appreciated.)
5. Do NOT flip-flop on your decision. If you choose to keep a friend as a guest instead of a member of the wedding party, DON’T BACKPEDAL ON YOUR DECISION. Even if this friend/family member asks to be part of the party, or you hear through the grapevine they are offended, you HAVE to be ready to stand your ground – you made that decision for a reason. Stick to it. 

Hopefully this helps build some boundaries around choosing your wedding party. And no matter what, whether you choose 16 or 2 people, the decision is you and your partners!